THE ski season is just around the corner and aside from falling down repeatedly, there are plenty of bad decisions that make first-timers stand out like a sore thumb.
Having the right gear is essential to getting the best from your ski holiday.
Ski expert Laura Hazell from Ski Beat, the largest UK tour operator offering package ski chalet holidays to the French Alps, tells Sun Travel her top tips for ‘not looking like a melt’ on a ski holiday.
Turn up for a day’s skiing wearing jeans and a hoodie and they’ll spot you straight off.
Gear up with a waterproof thermal jacket and lots of layers. T shirts and vests are fine – the hoodie can go on top.
Salopettes might sound pretentious but will stay dry and keep you warm. Keep jeans for apres ski.
Woollen beanies are the one item of streetwear you can get away with in a ski resort.
Hats are essential in the mountains where temperatures often fall below zero and around 10 per cent of body heat is lost through the head.
Any kind of woollen hat will help avoid brain freeze, but swap it for a helmet when skiing.
Only masochists ski for the first time without lessons.
Group ski schools get most people skiing within a few days – it’s much cooler to do the splits only when you want to.
The instructors will also show you how to get on and off the lifts to avoid being an internet sensation.
There’s no avoiding the clumpy boots that are specially fitted to clip onto skis and snowboards.
Make sure to return them to the hire shop if they slip or toes go numb.
Undo them during pit stops, to walk or go up stairs, but don’t take them off until the skiing is over unless you want to leave in your socks.
Ski socks are an essential piece of kit.
They are padded in all the right places and seamless to absorb pressure, making ski boots more comfortable.
Amd something most people miss is they are also marked `L’ & `R’ for a reason, so make sure you know your left from your right before you ski – and invest in a good pair of waterproof ski gloves too.
Sports goggles are a fashion statement on the streets and the clubs back home.
Wear them on the slopes, you’ll be right on trend and protected from UV rays, flying snow and the wind too.
High UV sunglasses are fine too. Just remember to take the plastic protective covering off the lenses first.
Laura revels three crucial details that help a family ski holiday run smoothly...
“Decide if the holiday is predominantly for parents, with the kids looked after in Kindergarten or Ski School or if the idea is to spend family days skiing and playing together.
“Make sure that childcare, nursery slopes and non-ski activities are close to where you stay.
“Check out options for some family time together. Most resorts offer a range of non-ski activities, such as sledging, sleigh rides, swimming pools, ice fishing, ice skating and space to build snow-men.”
“In the weeks before the holiday, invest in warm ski wear for the whole family.
“Vinted and Ebay are good places to find outgrown bargains, buy thinner layers, rather than bulky sweaters, make sure jackets and trousers are waterproof, and buy proper ski socks, gloves, headwear and sunglasses or goggles for all the family.”
